Ph.D. in Space Science

Update: we are officially open for business! The Department of Space Science is now accepting applications for graduate study, for Ph.D. programs starting in the Fall of 2015. Please apply to the Graduate College here using a PDF application form and write in "Space Science" as the intended program of study (starting next year the option will be permanently added on the application form):

All questions about enrolling in our Ph.D. program should be directed to Dr. Robert Preece, Chair of the SPA Graduate Committee.

Requirements for a Ph.D. degree

Complete an additional 18 credit hours of elective courses. These are chosen from the Elective courses list.

Pass a Comprehensive Examination ("Comps"). The Comps are offered annually during the Summer semester and consist of three sections: (a) Electromagnetic theory, (b) Classical and quantum statistics, and (c) Plasma physics. A passing grade of 60% or above in all three sections is required for a Ph.D. pass.

Give at least two seminar (Journal Club) presentations. Students are encouraged to share the results of their research work with their peers and faculty members. Journal Club presentations are part of the regular Space Science seminar series.

Pass a Ph.D. qualifier exam. This step involves writing a dissertation proposal and forming a Ph.D. committee, that would normally consist of the student's faculty adviser and at least three other members from the UAH graduate faculty. We encourage students to invite at least one committee member from another department or research center.

Complete 18 credit hours of dissertation units (SPA799).

Write and defend a Ph.D. dissertation.

Student must have a first authored peer reviewed paper published or accepted in a major international journal before their graduation date. Examples of acceptable journals include The Astrophysical Journal, Journal of Geophysical Research, Physics of Plasmas, Geophysical Research Letters, and Physical Review.

SPA522 Introduction to Plasma Physics

Provides students with an introduction to the basic physical processes associated with plasmas which permeate all space environments. Both particle and fluid approaches are introduced, and a variety of elementary drift and wave phenomena are derived. Applications of the theory to various plasma instabilities are explored, along with specific examples of where these may occur in space science. While the goal of this course is to prepare students for more advanced topics in space physics, many of the fundamentals covered are equally relevant for students interested in plasma confinement and its associated engineering challenges.

SPA623 Transport Processes in Space

Course presents a systematic treatment of classical and anomalous transport theory for gases, plasmas, energetic particles, and low frequency turbulence. The Chapman-Enskog approach is used to derive transport coefficients for neutral gases and collisional plasmas. The relationship between multi-fluid and MHD models is presented. Weak solutions and shock waves are discussed. The transport of energetic particles that experience scattering by magnetic field fluctuations is presented, together with basic models of the turbulence responsible for scattering and turbulence transport in expanding flows such as the solar wind.

SPA624 Space Physics I

A broad introduction to particle, MHD, and kinetic phenomena in space. This course is intended for all students interested in space, astro-, and plasma physics. Course covers fusion processes inside the Sun, solar neutrinos, solar atmosphere, coronal magnetic fields, physical mechanisms of magnetic field line reconnection and magnetic dynamo, the interaction between the solar wind with planets and the interstellar medium, corotating and merged interaction regions, collisional and collisionless shock waves in space. Includes an introduction to charged particle acceleration in the heliosphere. Examines differences between planetary magnetospheres, solar-terrestrial relationships, solar activity, climate, and culture.

SPA627 Detectors and Instrumentation

(under development)

SPA628 Solar Physics

The workings of the sun, from its interior to the outer reaches of the corona with emphasis on the observations. Energy release in core of the Sun and its transport to the solar atmosphere. Dynamo process and the 11 year solar activity cycle. Formation of active regions and structure of sunspots. The structure of corona, with particular details on the active region corona and its heating to several million kelvin. Energy release processes including solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

SPA663 Computational Fluid Dynamics and MHD

Numerical simulations of various problems in space physics, astrophysics, engineering, and plasma dynamics. Finite-volume and finite-difference, shock-capturing and shock-fitting methods for hyperbolic equations, including gas dynamics, MHD, and shallow water equations. The hierarchy of numerical methods is introduced in a systematic way, starting from standard linear schemes and arriving at modern discontinuity-capturing non-linear methods. Exact and approximate Riemann solvers, characteristic analysis of underlying equations. Different implementations of boundary conditions are introduced in relation with the mathematical properties of quasilinear hyperbolic systems.

SPA771 Competitive Grant Writing Workshop

This course is designed for senior level graduate students who are about to graduate and start their professional career. It will introduce students to the real and complete process of competing for grant support. It is comprised of a series of lectures (workshops), case studies, and ends with a formal proposal from each participant and a mock review process.